Joseph R Tennell

Born September 14, 1919 in Eldorado, IL to George and Claudia (Cowan) Tennell, he married Lucy N. Whitehead on September 27, 1941 in Palmyra, MO. She preceded him in death on May 17, 2012 in Pekin.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, one grandchild, Tracey; five brothers and four sisters.

Surviving one son, Vincent (Sandra) Tennell of Pekin; one daughter, Jody (Steve) Nichols of Pekin; seven grandchildren, Candice Swift of Clinton, Valerie (Rod) Wolf of Pekin, Amanda Tennell of Galesburg, Joseph (Rosemary) Abraham of Peoria, Jeff Abraham of Pekin, Scott (Susan) Nichols of Pekin, Angela (Jerrod) Dunbar of Pekin and thirteen great grandchildren.

He served in the United States Army during WWII as a Military Policeman in the Pacific Theater.

Rudy had worked for Commonwealth Edison Powerton Station for 38 years as a unit operator, retiring in 1979. It was at that time he became a member of the Powerton Playboys.

He took great pride in his home and loved caring for his children and grandchildren. Rudy was very devoted to and all about his family.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, October 5, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Ronald E. Little will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin. Military rights will be conducted by the Glasford American Legion Post 35 and the Military Funeral Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Harbor Lights Hospice, 3004 N. Main St., East Peoria, IL 61611.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com